Purpose of the job of a Direct Support Professional

The purpose of your job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide direct support services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD) who has chosen Muskingum Residentials Inc. (MRI) as their provider of services.

MRI operates DoDD Licensed homes providing support for Individuals that have chosen to make an MRI home their home and or choice for Respite Services. The Services and Supports provided are included in the Individuals Ohio Individual Support Plan (OISP).

The OISP specifies the Services, Supports and Outcomes for an Individual. It is you responsibility to implement the plan as written, document the services/support, provide feedback with regard to progress and new learning and suggest revision or changes to the plan through the Team Planning Process.

As a Direct Support Professional, you are responsible for maintaining the quality of support provided and maintain a safe and clean home; incorporating Person Center Practices

Your direct supervision will be provided by DSP Home Manager with additional  support from the Program and Training Coordinator and Registered Nurse.

Purpose of the Job Description

Every effort has been made to make the job description as complete as possible. However, the Job Descriptions in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  Services\Supports are Person Centered, determined by the individual preferences (Important To) and needs (Important For) .  There will be differences in the manner in which your duties are designed\implemented as determined by an Individuals abilities and needs. The omission of specific statements of task or responsibility does not exclude the duty\responsibility for a DSP, if the work is similar, related or is logical assignment for the position.

Risk of Exposure

This position has been determined to be a risk for exposure to communicable diseases. Universal precautions apply and are to be utilized.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Care of Individuals

1. Assist each individual with daily personal  hygiene and care.
2. Assures each individual is neat, clean and dressed appropriately for the day, events, activities and weather.
3. Assist each individual in completing housekeeping chores as specified in their OISP or to maintain the home.
4. Assist individuals in following dietary recommendations and restriction as pertinent to an Individual.
5. Plan and lead leisure activities consistent with an individuals’ interests and\or delineated in an individual’s OISP. Providing new and novel activities to develop new interests, hobbies and take advantage of the opportunities of the community and surrounding area is strongly encouraged. (although our mission to provide activities and experience in the community, with people that are not associated with the DD system; at NO Time should family members of staff or employees from other homes not on shift be hanging around the homes distracting scheduled staff from their Primary Responsibility being the supervision and engagement).
6. Provide behavioral support as needed following a prescribed behavior support plan developed for an Individual. Staff cannot implement restrictions that are not part of a plan in response to a behavior displayed, as punishment or coercion.
7. Accompany individuals to medical appointments as directed; taking with them the information necessary or requested by the medical provider and having the Appointment Follow Up Form completed.
8. Inform the HMgr, Mgr on Call or RN of any change in the individual’s condition, including complaints illness, discomfort or observed change in physical or emotional status.
9. Follow established procedures and protocols in the event of any medical emergency. In doubt whether an event is a medical emergency 911 should be called for evaluation.
10. If the DSP is Certified to provide Medication Administration; assist an individual with taking their medication as delineated in the OISP.
11. Provide Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) Services identified in the OISP that may include but not limited to, Homemaker Personal Care,  HPC Transportation (Medical-ATN), Transportation to Day Service or Work (Non Medical-ATB), Respite.
12. Implement the Action Plan to achieve the Outcomes of an Individuals OISP.
13. Attend ISP meetings and other meetings as requested related to the development and review of the OISP.
14. Provide recommendations for program services and supports in line with the interest (Important To – For) of an Individual to enhance quality of life, community participation, health and welfare.
15. Role Model, Encourage, Mentor social skills to create and maintain an atmosphere to engage and motivate participation in supports and activities provided (REM-Role Model, Encourage, Motivate).
16. Establish and maintain a friendly and home like atmosphere for all.
17. Be a Positive Role Model of respect, courtesy, communication, positive interaction, problem resolution, social skills and work ethic.
18. Communicate with Family, Friends and with respect and honesty being cognizant of what the individual is comfortable with us sharing and with whom. This could be specific to the situation or topic. If you are unsure of what can and should be shared with; defer to the Home Manager, Program and Training Coordinator, Director.
19. Any information new information or concerns shared with you by family, friends or socially (social media)  should be brought to the HMgrs. attention. If this is an immediate concern and the HMgr. is not available contact the Mgr. On Call or RN.
20.  

Staff Development

1. Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, training and required and scheduled.  Trainings may be mandatory or elective.
2. Mandatory House Meetings are scheduled throughout the year and it is you responsibility to be available to attend. Other mandatory meetings may be scheduled to meet the needs of the individual or operation of the home and Training requirements contain in rules of provision of HCBW Services.
3. Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you up to date with standards, best practice, current and changing philosophy of implementation of supports for people with DD, rules that govern operations of a DD Licensed Home.
4. It is the responsibility of the DSP to identify to the HMgr., Prg. Trng. Coordinator or RN the need for additional training.
5. Staff who choose to increase their learning and are employed at least the equivalent of 2 years of full time employment are eligible for a Longevity and Competency Based Add On to their hourly rate.

Home Maintenance, Safety and Sanitation

1. Perform household cleaning as assigned
2. Assist individuals, as needed, in preparing meals according to the posted menu and modified diets.
3. Assure the home is free from any safety hazards; Report hazards or potential hazards immediately.
4. Assure individual’s clothing is clean, well fitting and in good repair.
5. Perform miscellaneous tasks as necessary to assure the home is in optimal condition and presentable (snow removal, yard work, general picking up around inside and outside of the home).
6. Report any inoperable, malfunctioning equipment for repair or replacement.
7. Complete Maintenance Request in a timely manner.
8. Participate in Fire Safety and Disaster preparedness drills as required.
9. DSP will follow and assist the Individual’s to follow policies addressing tobacco use.
10. Ensure sufficient supply of personal care items, cleaning materials, liquid laundry detergent and softener are available in the home. NOTE: cleaning and personal care supplies are purchased by the Agency and are available through MRI Central Supply. DO NOT purchase these supplies at the store. MRI is required to maintain a MSDS Sheet for all items used in the homes. Purchasing item on your own when shopping puts the Agency out of compliance with this regulation. If there are products you would like for the home contact the office and see if we can make them available.
11. Turn off any unnecessary electrical equipment (lights, TVs, etc.) when not in use especially when no one is in the home.
12. Complete the house rounds at shift change and complete the Shift Change Checklist at the change of shifts.

Documentation

1. Complete all documentation of the delivery of HCBW Services upon completion, at least by the end of the shift.
2. Complete Unusual Incident Report prior to the end and leaving your shift.
3. Complete Behavioral Documentation or Information Sheets, as needed, by the end of the shift.
4. Complete the Medication Administration Records (MAR) per training and rule.
5. Maintain and update clothing and personal item inventories as assigned assuring that the Inventories are up to date and accurate.
6. Forward any and all medical information (Physician Follow Up Forms for instance) to the HMgr and RN according to policy and procedure.
7. Document Time in and Time out, your time sheet, daily. Any changes to the beginning and end time of your shift or the times posted require the Approval of the HMgr., Administrator or RN.

     All documentation must be clear and legible and complete per rule\policy\procedure.

     DSPs will be held accountable for the lack of documentation or failure to document.

     Documentation and lack of will be corrected by the DSP as directed.

     Time Sheets that are not consistent with the Schedule, changes that are not approved, illegible or otherwise difficult (coffee spills, cross outs etc.) to accurately determine\decipher the hours assigned, worked or approve; may result in payroll errors. It will be the responsibility of the DSP to provide evidence to correct the time sheet. If corrections result in additional pay; this may not be paid until the next pay period/pay day.

Individual’s Rights Responsibilities

1. Maintain confidentially of all of an Individual’s information.
2. Assure that the Individual Rights are upheld\maintained; Fair and equitable treatment; Autonomy\Self Determination; Respect personal decisions; Person Centered, Important To and For are known and addressed; Privacy and Property are respected; Civil and Individual Rights are maintained at all times.
3. Free from coercion, threats and punishment through arbitrary restrictions or consequences being imposed that are not included in the OISP.

Working Conditions

Works in well lighted and ventilated areas throughout the Home. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Are involved with individuals, family, other DSPs and Agency staff, DoDD and County Board staff, visitors, friends of individuals for a variety of circumstances, reviews or conditions. May be subject to hostile or emotionally charged individuals, family, other MRI staff, visitors, etc.. Communicates with a variety of Direct Support, Professional and Paraprofessional staff including but not limited to medical, nursing Adult Day Service, Employers of an individual that may have differing opinions or points of view. May be exposed to infectious waste, HIV, Hepatitis B, communicable diseases. Individuals that may become angry, verbally and physically aggressive. At times you will need to function independently, exercise flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with the Individuals, DSP, Professional and Paraprofessional staff ( including but not limited to medical, nursing Adult Day Service, Employers of an individual etc.)

Experience

One year of experience working with people with DD or a related field preferred but not required.

Specific Requirements

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language with proficiency to be understood by others and comprehend what others are communicating verbally and in written or with individuals that may not use words as their primary mode of communication.
3. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress required to maintain good professional judgment to address ongoing and novel concerns that may occur throughout the day.
4. Possess the ability to tactfully address and discuss concerns with an Individual, family, friends, peers and personnel for other agencies, the CB of DD, government or oversight agencies and the general public.
5. The ability to work independently and at time and make independent decisions.
6. The ability to work harmoniously, with other professional and non professional staff and those that enter the home\environment, as a role model to the individuals.
7. Possess the ability to plan, organize, develop and interpret the supports, Outcomes, policies and procedures, etc. that are necessary to implement the ISP, including activities in and outside the home to maintain a level of engagement and interest to provide a “good day” and limit “bad days”.
8. Be Cheerful, patient, and enthusiastic.
9. Be a positive role model in all aspects of personal and social interactions.
10. Present a positive attitude toward work and responsibility and not talk disparagingly, belittlingly or negatively about the home, work or others.

Physical Requirements

1. The ability to be active and on the move throughout your shift.
2. May be working shift up to 16 hours.
3. Possess adequate sight and hearing or use adaptive equipment (prosthetics) to see and hear adequately to provide oversight, monitoring and supervision, in order to meet the supervision levels of the Individuals you are working with.
4. The ability to lift 70 lbs. in order to lift or transfer those that may need assistance to transfer or walk and have a limited ability to bear weight fully or at all or propel wheelchairs up and down grades.
5. The ability to get on the floor and back up from the floor to assist people that have fallen or perform first aid/CPR.
6. The stamina to go up and down stairs throughout your day; to walk up to a mile to participate in activities in the community or attend any variety of appointment or activities that occur in an individual’s daily life.
7. The ability to participate in physical activity, participate in active games and to lead and participate outdoor activities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read the DSP Job Description and fully understand the requirements set forth Therein. I was provided the opportunity to ask question and any questions I may have had about the Job Description were answered or explain to my satisfaction.  In accepting the position of DSP I agree to abide by the requirements set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities delineated in the Job Description.

I understand that Signing the Job Description does not imply or serve as a contract of employment.

It has been explained to me and I understand that my employment is at-will and thereby understand that my employment may be terminated at-will by the Agency or myself with or without notice. 

Date: DSP Signature:

Date: Agency Representative: